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As speculation mounts over the birth date, sex and name of Kate Middleton and Prince William’s second child, Kenilworth Castle is preparing for its own royal arrival.

Amid royal baby fever, the Queen is to visit the Warwickshire tourist attraction on May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

And it will be quite an occasion, with horse and military displays, falconry, music, dancing and a specially-created play.

But it will be Queen Elizabeth I, not the current reigning monarch who will be at the historic ruins.

Queen Elizabeth I was Kenilworth Castle’s most well-known house-guest and will return on the first May Bank Holiday weekend to enjoy what's billed as 'A party fit for a Queen.'

The so-called Virgin Queen will be the guest of honour in a weekend of revelry that recreates her famous visit in 1575.

The pomp and pageantry of the Queen’s arrival will set the tone for two days of celebrations – based on the entertainments that Elizabeth would have enjoyed at Kenilworth 440 years ago.

Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, will be proving why he is the Master of the Horse as he puts on expert horse and military displays for her Majesty’s approval.

There will be Elizabethan music and dancing, displays of authentic Tudor falconry, and a new play which has been recreated based on accounts of the theatre enjoyed by Elizabeth called The Tale of the Viking Men and the British Women by local players The Coventry Men.

"The Queen’s visit to Kenilworth was one of the most talked about events in Elizabethan England, the Royal wedding of its day," said Property Manager Holly Woodward.

"With mermaids, feasting, bear-baiting, and non-stop entertainments for 19 days, it took partying to unprecedented new levels.

"While we’re leaving the mermaids and bears in the past, our visitors will be able to experience some of what Elizabeth may have enjoyed on her progress to Kenilworth.

"Seeing the Queen and her court parading amid the ruins and recreated Elizabethan gardens is not to be missed – it’s a hugely fun way to imagine how the castle would have been in its magnificent heyday."

English Heritage’s jester extraordinaire Peterkin will be the party’s Lord of Misrule as he fills the weekend with jolly japes.

Would be pranksters can learn the tricks of the trade in Fools School, and there will be some serious silliness, and a flame or two, in his fun ‘fe-fi-fo-fire’ show.

Budding young courtiers can get in the party spirit with hands-on fun and games as they discover the secrets of a Tudor spymaster, prepare to meet the Queen with etiquette classes, and test their skills with junior jousting and sword drills.

The whole family will enjoy meeting Elizabeth’s colourful court as they set up camp in the castle grounds, giving a unique look into 16th century life.

So starch your ruff and brush off your doublet – this promises to be a party fit for would be royalty of every age.

A Party fit for a Queen: Elizabethan Revels at Kenilworth Castle takes place from 11am to 5pm on Sunday, May 3, and Monday, May 4.

Entry to the event and castle is included in the ticket price of £30.50 for a family, £11.70 for adults, and £7.10 for children. Reduced prices apply for English Heritage Members.

Tickets are available to book in advance through the English Heritage Ticket Sales Team on 0370 333 1183 (Mon to Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm). Tickets will also be available to purchase at the event site on the day.